The bigger point within that failing in little and big ways is what was at the center of this of this funny little movement: find something you would enjoy doing, aim to do it more than before, and live within the realness of your trying to get there.

Round Two

Today, in two different posts, Colby Sharp and Michelle Haseltine invite all of us to jump into round 2. Another 50 days of nerdy+resolutions, starting tomorrow.

But first, what we learned from Round One

Okay, I just want to preface this by saying that I swear to you at times in my life I can be fit. I’ve flipped tires, people. Tires. In a gym. Doing push-ups on them even. That ‘s got to count for something.

That little burst of defensiveness came in and out of my self-talk during this first 50 day experiment. You see, I also was reminded during round one that I’m not as fit as I imagined I was. Though, happily was more than I feared. 50/50 ain’t bad. For example, trying to do 100 push-ups every single day is incredibly painful and the exact opposite advice any trainer would ever give you. (Truth: I planned that goal in my “I’m just going to eat cake a lot” workout phase.)

I learned I need to have a more realistic goal. I also learned, though, that it still should be somewhat rigorous – just beyond my fears of what I think I can’t do. Because a good 50% of the time, I actually met it and was so amazed, and sore, and proud, and sore at the end.

Reading other people’s triumphs and failures across these 50 days I’ve learned other things:

Success can breed success.

Equally true, failure can breed failure.

If you are stuck on a desert island and only amazing, technological wizardry can help you (or song lyrics), then Kevin Hodgson is your answer

It’s easy to feel embarrassed when you don’t live up to a public goal.

It’s easy to assume you’re the only one.

Apples everyday is actually a thing. And it becomes more interesting the more Franki writes about it.

My Round 2

I’m still sticking with mostly one nerdlution for this round, but modifying:

100 push-ups per day, 3 days per week

Another high intensity something, 3 days per week. Time doesn’t matter (key for me not feeling like a failure on “off” days, anything is better than nothing and some days I’ll be inspired to do more than others) – a few planks or a short run or long gym time

A day off

Mentally (this is new for me to set a part of a goal, thanks Katherine for the inspiration) I want to:

Know I will, without a doubt, “fail” at some point. There, no surprises now.

Be forgiving to myself when I do.

Restart slow if I have to.

Ask for support – because the best part of nerdlution is the amazing and positive community.

See you at Colby’s blog, Michelle’s, twitter, or just out there with a smile on your face.

11 thoughts on “Nerdlution Round 2: More lution, Less not doing it”

[…] the new year even started. Then earlier this week, on Sunday to be exact, I read this blog post by Chris Lehman. This thing made more sense and here they were, these nerdlutors, starting round 2. Dare I join in? […]

Chris thanks for reminding us that goals should be reflected upon and adjusted! And writing them and/or declaring them definitely helps keep me focused. I have to remind myself not to obsess and fret if it feels as if I am falling behind-and give myself permission to (gulp) fail.I hesitate to publicly declare goals unless I absolutely, positively commit, and sometimes it takes awhile to arrive at that point. So far this year I am committed to running 14 races in 2014 http://jillconyers.com/2013/11/are-you-ready-to-run-14-in-2014/. I am still in the thinking about my goals stage for #nerdlution. Thanks for getting me to think about it a bit more!

[…] I may fall off the bandwagon. Two of the #nerdlution follow up posts really stuck out in my mind: Christopher Lehman’s and Katherine Sokolowski‘s. They kind of help me keep things in perspective. The point is […]

Chris, As always…your post is thoughtful & clear! I enjoy reading your reflection. As for Nerdlution: The Sequel (as I’m calling it) thank you for including me in your post! I’m so excited you shared my blog idea. I can’t wait to have people link their blog posts on Thursdays! We can comment and help each other!! Happy Nerdluting!

I did not do Round one of Nerdlution. #1 because I was totally confused about what is was. (This post has cleared up my confusion.) and #2 The holidays tend to stress me out, so I was limiting commitments. But now it is winter and grey and cold and actually a little boring, so why not join in. Can I? Even if I didn’t do Round 1? I don’t have much time to think about this. It starts tomorrow, really? Like on Monday, Jan. 27th?